Germany is preparing for its federal election in 2025, with over 59 million eligible voters expected to participate. Chancellor Scholz and rival Merz are ramping up their campaigns as polls suggest Merz’s Union may lead. Recent electoral reforms have reduced the Bundestag’s size, complicating government formation. Both candidates are appealing to undecided voters, with Merz firmly opposing a coalition with the AfD. Controversial remarks from Merz have drawn criticism, intensifying the election’s divisive atmosphere.
Germany Prepares for Federal Election 2025
Over 59 million eligible voters in Germany are gearing up to cast their ballots for a new Bundestag. As the election campaign reaches its climax, both Chancellor Scholz and his rival Merz are intensifying their efforts, often resorting to striking rhetoric.
With polling stations opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m., Germany is set to elect a new Bundestag following a brief yet polarizing winter election campaign. The outcome will shape the political landscape for the next four years.
Merz’s Union Gaining Ground in Polls
Recent polling indicates that the Union, led by CDU candidate Friedrich Merz, is poised to emerge as the dominant political force, closely followed by the AfD. The SPD, Greens, and Left party trail behind. Meanwhile, the FDP and the Sahra Wagenknecht alliance face uncertainty as they strive to secure the crucial five percent threshold necessary for parliamentary representation. Notably, surveys reveal that approximately one-fifth of voters remain undecided regarding their choices.
In light of recent electoral reforms, the next Bundestag will see a reduction in size, with the total number of representatives capped at 630—over 100 fewer than the current assembly.
Challenges Ahead for Government Formation
The newly elected representatives are required to convene no later than 30 days post-election—by March 25 at the latest. However, the task of establishing a new government is expected to take weeks, if not months. Until then, the current government will operate in a caretaker role.
The formation of the next government may prove to be a significant hurdle depending on the newly established majority dynamics. Merz is aiming for a coalition with either the SPD or the Greens, while CSU leader Markus Söder is firmly opposed to any partnership with the Greens. If multiple smaller parties manage to exceed the five percent threshold, the Union may need to rely on two coalition partners.
Despite facing challenging poll numbers, Chancellor Scholz maintains a positive outlook.
Scholz’s Optimism in the Face of Adversity
During their parties’ closing events, both Merz and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) appealed to undecided voters. Scholz expressed his belief in a potential electoral victory, stating, ‘I do not believe in miracles, but in an election victory,’ during his address in Potsdam. He urged voters to support the SPD with both votes, emphasizing the need for strength to continue his leadership.
Confident in his prospects: Union candidate Merz (CDU) alongside CSU leader Söder at their campaign conclusion in Munich.
Merz Dismisses Coalition with AfD
Merz expressed confidence in his campaign, stating, ‘There are still just under 26 hours. Then the traffic light will be history in Germany,’ during a joint closing rally with Söder in Munich.
He reiterated his firm stance on coalition negotiations, asserting that the Union would not collaborate with any party unwilling to pursue significant changes in economic and migration policies. Merz categorically ruled out any discussions with the AfD, stating, ‘Under no circumstances will we engage in talks, negotiations, or any form of government participation with the AfD. That is simply out of the question.’
Controversy Surrounding Merz’s Remarks
Merz has faced backlash for his comments regarding protests against right-wing ideologies. He claimed, ‘The left is over. There is no left majority and no left politics anymore in Germany.’ He asserted that he aims to represent the majority of the population, who he believes think rationally and ‘have all their cups in the cupboard,’ rather than ‘for any green and left-wing nutjobs in this world.’
The SPD leadership accused Merz of inflaming divisions within the country. SPD leader Lars Klingbeil criticized his remarks on social media, stating, ‘Friedrich Merz is deepening the trenches in the democratic center of our country in the final stretch of the election campaign.’
General Secretary Matthias Miersch described Merz’s statements as a low point in the election cycle. ‘Instead of fostering unity, Friedrich Merz chooses to divide further. This rhetoric is not befitting of someone aspiring to be chancellor for all; it resembles the speech of a demagogue,’ he remarked, emphasizing that dismissing leftist concerns undermines the foundation of democratic dialogue.